We are so excited to introduce you to this inspiring local mama – a full-time corporate mom in the marketing/healthcare industry and content creator over at @mandymovez
Amanda’s profile is one that inspires, uplifts, and motivates. She is a bright light in our community and just ran a half marathon 20 weeks pregnant! We got to chat all things mom life and about her fitness/health journey. See our full interview below!
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the Katy area?
Houston, Texas! I moved from ALIEF to KISD when I was in second grade. Growing up in Katy,
I told myself I’ve never move back after I left to go to college. Oh, the irony! Bless my sweet
parents.
How many kids do you have and how old are they?
I currently have two kids, who are 2.5 and 4.5 years old, and one on the way due in March
2024!
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I’ve been skydiving once! Funny thing is, is that I hate roller coasters.
Favorite local things to do in the Katy area?
Katy Asian Town for all the food! I’m a huge foodie.
What is your go-to activity just for you, mama?
100% running and/or working out!
Give us your best mom hack that makes life easier.
I’d like to think if I can run fast and/or lift heavy, this will help me mentally and physically with the
kiddos!
OK, let’s talk FITNESS! Have you always had a heart for wellness and working out? And when
did you start your IG page?
I grew up with immigrant parents who always kept busy whether it was with their businesses,
family life and/or being outside. Growing up, my family and I weren’t sports folks, but both my
parents worked out as a way of life. They drilled the importance to keep healthy and have fun
since we only have one life. I joined track and field in middle school and enjoyed it! I wasn’t
competitive by any means but mainly enjoyed the friends/community and freedom aspect of
running. Since then, I’ve always ran recreationally up until the Summer of 2019, which is when I
had my first born, started a new job in the fitness industry and started to take my health and
wellness more seriously.
Initially, my IG account was my personal account! It was mainly my family, food and/or
vacations. In the Summer of 2022, I started to document my 1st proper marathon training to show my friends, hold myself accountable, have fun documenting the journey and meet like- minded virtual friends. I wasn’t consistent at all it until March 2023 (two months after my marathon) that I started to post more consistently about my running/fitness journey.
Biggest advice you can give moms who feel like they’re putting needs of everyone else before
them and neglecting their health?
You can’t take care of others until you can’t take care of yourself first. This was advice my mom
gave me early on in life!
Biggest goal in your inspiring page?
My goal with my IG account is to inspire others to move their body and chase their goals no
matter the season they’re in! It CAN be FUN and worth the journey of ups and downs.
Favorite thing to do when working out?
When I’m running solo, it’s to listen to music or podcasts, be in my own thoughts or zone out.
When I’m running with KARC (Katy Area Running Club), love catching up, meeting new folks
and bonding over the sport. If I’m at the gym, a bit of everything!
What keeps you motivated?
My family and that you only have one chance in life.
Best advice for mamas wanting to find themselves again through a wellness journey?
Take the step even if you’re uncomfortable! For me, I joined Orangetheory Fitness (group
fitness classes) when I started a new job and 8 weeks postpartum. I was not in the best
headspace at the time. I quickly became obsessed with the community, coaches, and the
workouts! I was seeing results on the scale, I gained muscles I never knew could exist on me,
and I was even getting faster with my running. It was me vs. ME, and I loved becoming a better
and stronger version of me. Now, I’m enjoying my training on my own.
Future plans and hopes for your platform and community?
To continue to inspire others to move their bodies no matter what season they’re in! I also want
to continue to hype the Asian and mom representation in the health & wellness community!
Biggest blessing in being a mama?
Oh my goodness, there are so many! Unconditional love.
